King takes command at Tinker

New commander succeeds Brig. Gen. Hill as head of OC ALC

By Jeff Harrison
Midwest City Beacon

A pattern has developed in the careers of U.S. Air Force Brigadier Generals Christopher Hill and Jeff King.

King has succeeded Hill three times in his career.

When Hill last week relinquished control of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex at Tinker Air Force Base, it was no surprise that King was there to take over.

King was formally installed as the new commander of the unit during a change of command ceremony July 1 at Building 9001.

“Chris and Kelly (Hill), thank you for your warm welcome for a third time that we have done this, and fourth if you consider the stopover in D.C. (Pentagon),” King said. “We’ve done this several times, in fact we have it down pretty good.”

King comes to Tinker after serving as director of logistics, engineering and force protection, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Joint Base Pearl in Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. There, he was responsible for oversight, policy, guidance, training and resources in support of 45,000 Pacific Air Forces personnel.

The Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex is one of the largest in the Air Force Materiel Command with nearly10,000 military and civilian employees. The Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex performs programed depot maintenance and modifications on KC-135, B-1B, B-52, E-3 and the Navy E-6 aircraft, and repair and overhaul for several other engines.
The new commander thanked his family and fellow airmen for their support and the opportunity to lead the ALC.

“I’ve been a customer for 27 years, so I’m excited to be part of this organization, I truly mean it,” King said. “You are well known throughout the Air Force for your ability to provide greatness and on-time delivery of quality engines, components and software.”

King vows to continue that legacy by focusing on “readiness and people.” He said he will promote a culture of compliance, dignity, and respect for one another, which will lead to greater production.

“I’ve found that if you take good care of people, give them the time, tools and training, they will take care of everything else,” King said.

Lt. Gen. Gene Kirkland, commander of the Air Force Sustainment Center, thanked Hill for his service to the ALC, especially during the challenges of COVID-19.

“The COVID-19 response has required Gen. (Chris) Hill to employ every tool in his leadership kit bag in fighting an unseen enemy with rapid response and quick recovery,” Kirkland said. “I have watched his steady hand, decisiveness, and palpable concern for the health and safety of his depot employees. Unlike those who may effectively work from home by teleworking, you simply cannot fit a B-52 onto your kitchen table.”

Kirkland said Hill has overseen unprecedented production and opened the first hangar of the growing KC-46A maintenance campus.

“The bottom line is Gen. (Chris) Hill is leaving the ALC more capable than when he arrived and well positioned to continue generating cost effective readiness for our nation,” Kirkland said.
Kirkland also offered a warm welcome and glowing endorsement of King.

“I have worked with Gen. (Jeff) King several times and I’m thrilled to bring his talents to Oklahoma,” he said. “He brings prospective of supportive war fighter from his most recent position.”

Kirkland offered some friendly advice to King and his family who are avid scuba divers.

“You will soon find that Oklahoma does not offer quite the same diving opportunities as Pearl Harbor, however Lake Stanley Draper does hold many mysteries,” Kirkland said.

Hill reflected on his time at Tinker and the many men and women who made it special.

“For me, this was a professional dream come true,” he said. “What a magnificent production machine. I was born for this job and absolutely loved it.”

He also thanked the community partners for their unwavering support.

The event was modified due to COVID-19 and all guests were required to wear masks and follow social distancing protocols.